Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: June 8, 2023

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

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Weekly eNews - June 8, 2023

Mayor's Message

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."

– Michael Jordan

Last Wednesday, May 31, my year as President of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference came to a close with a transfer of leadership to Wheaton Mayor Phil Seuss. During my year as President, we saw many significant achievements for the conference and in turn, for the thirty-five municipalities in DuPage County. While we saw numerous legislative accomplishments, our biggest “win,” was our push for an increase in the Local Government Distributive Fund or LGDF. It may not appear significant, but an increase from 6.16% to 6.47% will result in significant dollars for DuPage Communities that will be used for public safety, infrastructure improvements and pension funds. It took significant effort to communicate to our state legislators the needs of our communities, and this increase showed that they were listening to our information, and for that, I want to offer them thanks for their efforts on our behalf.

I wanted to also thank the team at DMMC for all their efforts in making this increase come to fruition. They worked diligently to collect and design data sheets, design social media platforms, schedule private meetings with key state legislators prior to our trip to Springfield, and their coordination and work with other Councils of Government in designing one cohesive plan of action that was implemented by hundreds of local governmental leaders. The resulting impact we had on Springfield was significant and came about only through the efforts of the team, and my thanks goes out to all DMMC staff members for their efforts.

When a group of individuals comes together, with one agenda, then the success of the organization is a shared success. As Michael Jordan states, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships,” and our “team” in coming together, provided a championship for which we can all be proud.

Alderperson Mary Coyle Sullivan selected for Edgar Fellows Program

Darien Alderperson Mary Coyle Sullivan (Ward 5) has been selected to participate in the 2023 class of Edgar Fellows. The Edgar Fellows Program, through the University of Illinois System Institute of Government and Public Affairs, focuses on developing leadership and governing capacity in Illinois. The program is designed to influence attitudes and foster mutual understanding. It holds the promise of facilitating bipartisan and cross-regional cooperation as class participants––diverse in race, gender, political persuasion, and geography––assume more influential public leadership roles. Alderperson Sullivan was selected as one of 40 out of 209 individuals nominated for this program. She will attend a 5-day program at the University of Illinois/Champaign-Urbana later this summer. Congratulations!

Looking for Summer Fun?

Check the Community Calendar

The City of Darien launched the Community Calendar last year and it has been a great resource for City and Community events for residents and visitors! Check out all the upcoming summer fun here.

Branch Pickup

The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents within our boundaries.

The next pickup is the week of JUNE 26. To help keep the streets clean and our crews on schedule, please stack the branches neatly by the curb by Sunday, June 25.

The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with LRS. More info.

Public Works Summer Projects

Public Works will have a busy summer working on numerous projects such as:

Overseeing the traffic light at 67th & Clarendon Hills Road
Street Rehab and Sidewalk Replacement
Overseeing the repair of the fountain at the Clock Tower
Overseeing the construction of the digital sign at corner of Plainfield/Cass

5. Overseeing the repair of the Entrance/Balcony at City Hall

Watch the Direct Connect and follow the City on Social Media for updates!

Backflow Testing

If you have received a letter from Backflow Solutions/City of Darien, please contact Backflow Solutions, as the City of Darien has hired Backflow Solutions to track any/all information regarding backflow testing. Backflow Solutions can be reached at (800) 414-4990.

Electric Aggregation Program

The City of Darien will be participating in an electric aggregation program with MC Squared Energy Services, LLC. (mc2 ) beginning September 2023. MC2 was selected to serve the eligible residents and small business customers with an electric supply price equal to the ComEd rate for a 12-month term. The one-year agreement includes a price that matches the ComEd rate so there is no savings to the resident. However, the contract provides that MC2 will provide a civic payment to Darien in the amount of $10,000, which will go towards neighborhood capital projects. ALL residents will receive a program notice in the US mail early to mid-July; however, not all residents will be participating. The program notice mailed to your home will be based on usage identified by MC2. In either case, you will have the ability to opt out or opt in. Again, billing rate WILL remain the same and will continue to be sent by ComEd. Just a reminder – any solicitor that comes to your door or calls, asking you to switch to a supplier is NOT associated with the City of Darien, mc2 or ComEd. If you have questions please contact City Administrator Bryon Vana at bvana@darienil.gov or 630-353-8114.

Business Spotlight: Frugal Muse

For the past twenty years, Frugal Muse Books, Music & Video has been a valuable community hub for book lovers, music and movie aficionados, gamers and creative people of all stripes--people who gravitate to our unique and welcoming environment to browse the cross-pollination of new and gently used gems as well as attend Book Signings and Open Mic's and Trivia Nights. Our customers delight in being able to recycle their gently used items in exchange for the things they really want. Purchased in June of 2014 by Paul and Robyn Garrison, Frugal Muse is now truly local and independent, renewing our commitment to remaining not just a great bookstore but also a genuine community center where there's always something exciting happening.

Frugal Muse Books, Music & Video

7511 Lemont Rd.

(630) 427-1140

Save the Dates for Summer Concerts at Carriage Greens

Coming this Summer, Darien’s Summer Concerts will return at Carriage Greens Country Club! Mark your calendar for the following shows!

Thursday, June 29th – Beyond the Blonde
Thursday, July 27th – The Mix
Thursday, August 31st – Reckless
Saturday, September 23rd – Oktoberfest

View Flyer

Road Rehab Program

Road rehab work for the City of Darien is underway. Check out the schedule below:

Protecting Yourself From Mosquito Bites Starts at Home

Mosquitoes need water to breed and grow, and anything that holds water around your home will do. DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) recommends removing standing water to prevent the spread of mosquitoes and eliminate the threat of West Nile virus. Find more tips to Fight the Bite from DCHD at dupagehealth.org.

National Safety Month - Tornado Safety

Are you prepared for severe weather? Do you know where to go and what to do when you need to shelter from a tornado? The Tri-State Fire District reminds us to:

Prepare an emergency kit ahead of time, so it is ready when needed and include toys and treats for pets
Go to the basement or an interior room with no windows
Put your pets on a leash or in a carrier and bring them with you to a safe location

Find more tips here to keep you and your loved ones safe.